We are pleased to announce that a new date has been announced, namely 18 to 24 September 2022
Last November's survey of loyal participants showed that enthusiasm for this trip remains undiminished. The convocation had been announced for the second half of April. We understand that we will disappoint some of you but the new wave of the covid virus makes it necessary to postpone our trip once again, this time to the second half of September. We would like to mention the main reasons for the postponement.
In our study tours, apart from museums etc. related to industrial heritage, the organisation also tries to visit one or more companies that are still active. The idea is to add something that is hardly or not possible on an individual trip or city trip. The April 2020 programme included a number of these visiting locations. This week, we had to find out that all these venues are keeping their doors closed until further notice due to covid. Whether this will be possible in April cannot yet be promised.
Northern Italy was the first country in Europe to suffer greatly from the covid virus, right down to the triage moment. As a result, they are much stricter with corona rules and compliance. The rise in infections in the last month has been huge. True, museums and theatres are now largely open but, on the other hand, FFP2 masks are mandatory in public transport and most public buildings. They are also mandatory in the buses we use in both cities. So almost always during our journey, FFP2 masks would have to be worn. Truly no fun. Furthermore, it has been noted in our circle what happens if one of our group of forty turns out to be infected during the trip. Unfortunately, testing and quarantine can then be counted on. Even if conditions were a bit better(?) in a month's time, it is expected that less than 20 members will register.
During the covid years, September has always proved to be a very favourable month to travel with a group. The new travel dates are: start Sunday 18 September 2022 13:30 in Turin, finish Saturday 24 September at around 16:00 in Bologna. We are confident that this study tour will finally be able to take place. If you have any questions you can always contact me at tboele@box.nl , and of course during one of our lectures. As soon as this is possible again, we hope to be able to greet you physically at that.
The decision to postpone has been taken in consultation with the boards of Histechnica and History of Technology.
We hope to send you the convocate for this trip by the end of June.
Ton Boele your travel commissioner
